Guide to Mardi Gras at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida

If you weren’t able to make the trip out to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida just might have you covered.

Running from February through April, Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida offers a jazzy party that everyone is sure to love!

 

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A World of Food!

If you’ve been to Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando in the past, you may remember the stands offering traditional New Orleans food to complement the experience.

Well, it just so happens that the food and beverages have been tremendously expanded compared to years past!

Now, you can sample food and drinks from not only New Orleans, but also 12 different countries!

Two of the countries I got to experience were Germany and Canada.

 

 

Germany

At Germany’s booth, I tried a bratwurst with beer braised onions and spicy mustard.

Served with house-made potato chips, the bratwurst was absolutely delicious. The mustard and onions gave it a nice spicy tang.

 

 

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Canada

At Canada’s booth, I sampled the beef short rib poutine. This was equally scrumptious!

I’d never tried poutine before, but this particular version has me sold. Thanks to the choice of meat, the dish has a very hearty flavor.

There are so many unique foods and beverages to try at this year’s Mardi Gras festival!

You can either go the traditional route with New Orleans favorites, such as beignets and crawfish, or you can try something a little more exotic.

The choice is yours, but don’t leave without filling your belly!

Beads Abound!

Although there are no parades happening at Mardi Gras this year, there are still plenty of places to bask in the spirit.

All throughout the park, parade floats are stationed for viewing, and Team Members in extravagant costumes will throw you beads.

 

 

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It was fun trying to see how many beads I could collect.

There’s truly no limit here; I saw children walking around with a mass of at least 20 necklaces!

Between the Team Members, floats, and New Orleans-style music playing on loop throughout the park, it’s easy to let loose and celebrate, and I encourage everyone to join in the party.

Travel Tip

If you plan on visiting the Orlando area soon, be sure to make a stop at Universal Studios Florida to celebrate a belated, but very welcome Mardi Gras!

There’s plenty to do and see, and I guarantee that the entire family will have a blast.

Have you been to Mardi Gras?

What was your favorite part of the trip? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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Credit: photos courtesy of Katie Logue